Caribbean Maritime University Honours CSA Members

Four members of the Caribbean Shipping Association (CSA) were bestowed the Caribbean Maritime University’s (CMU) most prestigious honours at their inaugural graduation ceremony. The ceremony was held on November 14 at the Jamaica Conference Centre. The honourees are Dr Grantley Stephenson, Dr Ronald Malins-Smith, Marc Sampson and Stephen Bell.

Dr Grantley Stephenson

Dr Grantley Stephenson was conferred the doctor of science in port management, honoris causa, for his remarkable contribution to the shipping industry. He has been an influential figure in the region’s shipping industry for more than 40 years, 30 of which have been spent in senior management positions at some of the most integral companies within the industry – Kingston Wharves Limited, Jamaica Producers Group Ltd and the Shipping Association of Jamaica are just a few of the prominent companies he has helped lead.

He was a member of the initiating team for the Jamaica Maritime Institute, thus paving the way for the institution achieving full university status today. In his current role as chief executive officer of Kingston Wharves Limited, Stephenson has spearheaded the implementation of modernisation and growth strategies which have resulted in massive progression in the company, making it a key player in the development of the country’s shipping industry. In 2015, he received the Manager of the Year award from the Jamaica Institute of Management.

Dr Roland Malins-Smith

For his vast contribution to the shipping industry across the globe, Dr Roland Malins-Smith was awarded the doctor of science in international shipping, honoris causa. Born in Grenada and educated in Jamaica and the United Kingdom, Dr Malins-Smith has held numerous senior positions across the local and international shipping industry. In 1977, he was appointed general manager of the West Indies Shipping Corporation. In 1980, he was hired as vice-president of marketing at the Miami-based Oceanic Steamship Company. By 1992, he was senior vice-president of marketing at Tecmarine Lines in England, which he left that year to start Seafreight Line Limited and Seafreight Agencies Inc, a lifelong ambition of his. As an honorary member of the CSA, he continues to contribute greatly to the association, serving as chairman of the shipowners and operators group.

Marc Sampson

Marc Sampson was inducted into CMU’s Hall of Fame for his stellar contribution to the shipping industry as well as for his direct contribution to the development of the university. Formerly the president of the Barbados Shipping Association, Sampson now serves as chairman of the ship agents and private stevedore contractors group on CSA’s general council. He has worked assiduously to ensure the association, and the region at large, remain at the helm of innovation and development within the industry.

Stephen Bell

Stephen Bell, regional vice-president of Seaboard Marine Limited, was also inducted into the university’s hall of fame. He was honoured for his unwavering support and contribution to the development of the Caribbean shipping industry. Bell was previously chairman of the ship agents and private stevedore contractors group on CSA’s general council.

When asked about bestowing these honours, president of the CMU, Professor Fritz Pinnock, said, “We are delighted at the Caribbean Maritime University to be honouring stalwarts who have been contributing consistently to the shipping industry.”